Lima Sopoaga and Beauden Barrett of the All Blacks with the Bledisloe Cup.Source:Getty Images

Former All Black Lima Sopoaga — who has just moved to England from the Highlanders — stated that the appeal of wearing the black jersey is fading as more athletes are drawn to Europe by seven figure salaries.

”I do think that things are starting to change and players are starting to wise up… they realise that it’s a business these days,” Sopoaga said.

“When you’ve got it, you’ve got it — but when you don’t, clubs aren’t going to be afraid to cut you.

“It can be pretty cut-throat; that’s the way it is.”

The 27-year-old fly half — who currently plays for Premiership club Wasps — explained that a transfer to Europe can be a life changing move.

“For a lot of guys like myself, who come from big families from low socio-economic backgrounds, the chance to change your family’s life is pretty overwhelming,” Sopoaga said.